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15 Best Catfish Baits for Maximum Catches in 2024

Best Catfish Baits

SUMMARY:

A quick online search for “best catfish baits” often leads to outdated or inaccurate information, featuring baits that have fallen out of favor or are no longer effective. In response, we’ve compiled a meticulously updated list for 2024. This list excludes one-time wonders and focuses on baits that are consistently available for purchase and proven to attract catfish across various waters worldwide. Notably, it also includes innovative baits that have recently become popular without the need for special orders. Here are the top 15 catfish baits for 2024, celebrated for their effectiveness and reliability among angling communities.

  1. Nightcrawlers from local sources – $5 per pack
  2. Gizzard Shad, fresh or frozen – $2 per pound
  3. Chicken Liver, widely available – $1.50 per container
  4. Crawfish, a catfish favorite – $4 per pound
  5. Bluegill, use responsibly – $0 for those you catch
  6. Hot Dogs, flavored or plain – $3 for a pack
  7. Dough Bait, homemade or store-bought – $5 for a tub
  8. Cut Bream, where legal – $0 for those you catch
  9. Mussels, fresh from the river – $2 per pound
  10. Cheese Dip Bait, a secret recipe – $8 per jar
  11. Blood Baits, for that irresistible scent – $10 per pack
  12. Minnows, live is best – $12 per dozen
  13. Catfish Punch Bait, for no-mess fishing – $15 per container
  14. Skipjack Herring, the silver bullet – $3 per pound
  15. Shrimp, fresh or salted – $10 per pound

Detailed insights into these top baits, including why each has earned its place on the list, are provided below. From classic choices to modern preferences, each bait carries its own unique appeal for catfish.

THE FULL STORY:

For decades, the quest for the perfect catfish bait has captivated anglers. Typing “best catfish baits” or “effective catfish lures” into Google or YouTube generates endless recommendations. Yet, so often, these suggestions rely on outdated knowledge or myths, including baits that have lost their appeal or never truly had it. The pursuit of the ideal catfish bait is complex, deserving a closer, more nuanced look.

Historically celebrated baits like “Old River Dough” and “Midnight Blood Pellets” frequently appear in dated lists but are no longer on the market.

Catfish Bait is Both a Necessity and a Joy in Angling

Catfish Bait is a fundamental element in fishing. Full stop. Success in angling is also a fundamental goal. Full stop. In both aspects, the choice of bait can significantly enhance the experience of fishing through its effectiveness, appeal to target fish, and the satisfaction of a catch well-earned. Indulging in specialized baits that are more costly does not diminish the essence of fishing but rather enhances the angler’s connection to the sport. Just like savoring gourmet foods does not undermine the basic need for nourishment, selecting a premium bait for its superior qualities and effectiveness enriches the fishing adventure, while the essential practice of using more common baits remains valid.

Also read: The full list of Catfish Baits for Lakes by 360DigiTours.

Many people think all fishing baits work the same, but that’s not true. You might know this too, especially if you’ve seen how a good bait can make fishing much better. I’ve tested many baits together and found they’re all different. People who join these tests often find a bait they like best, just like picking a favorite drink. We’ve shown this pic at catfish tournament by the Mississippi River. Now, with more places offering a variety of catfish rigs, every fisher can find the bait that works best for them.

A Monster Catfish Tournament Held in Mississippi on the Mississippi River with Winners Dan and Mike From Our Catfish Experts Panel

How We Selected the Catfish Baits?

Our selection process was rigorous, focusing on baits that consistently produce results across various conditions:

Some highly effective artificial catfish lures include (clockwise from top left) soft plastic lures, spinnerbaits, jigging spoons, and crankbaits. Mastering these lures involves not only skill in their presentation but also knowledge of the best locations to deploy them for catfish success.

Unveiling the Top 15 Catfish Baits for 2024

Our rigorous selection process yields a list that promises unparalleled success in catfish angling, from traditional favorites to modern innovations.

#15 – Shrimp

Price Range: $5-$10 per pound for fresh or frozen

Availability: Grocery stores, bait shops, and seafood markets

Preferred Habitat: Suitable for both fresh and brackish waters

Key Features: Familiar food source, versatile use, attracts a wide range of catfish

Shrimp, especially when used fresh, is an excellent bait for all catfish species. Its natural odor and fleshiness make it irresistible, particularly in waters where shrimp are part of the catfish’s natural diet. For added effectiveness, some anglers prefer to soak shrimp in garlic or other attractants. Shrimp can be presented whole or in pieces, depending on the size of the catfish targeted. While not traditionally associated with freshwater fishing, its increasing popularity and success rates cannot be ignored, making it a top choice for anglers looking for versatility and effectiveness.

#14 – Skipjack Herring

Price Range: $3-$6 per pound

Availability: Fresh markets and by catching in certain regions

Preferred Habitat: Large rivers and reservoirs

Key Features: Oily flesh, strong odor, excellent for trophy catfishing

Skipjack Herring’s oily flesh and strong natural scent make it an outstanding bait for trophy catfish, particularly in river environments. Anglers often use it fresh or slightly aged to increase its scent. It can be cut into strips or chunks to suit the hook size and target catfish species. The effectiveness of Skipjack Herring is well-documented, with many anglers crediting it for their biggest catches.

#13 – Catfish Punch Bait

Price Range: $10-$20 per container

Availability: Specialized bait shops and online

Preferred Habitat: Ideal for still waters, like ponds and lakes

Key Features: No-mess application, strong scent dispersion

Catfish Punch Bait is a thick, sticky concoction that adheres well to hooks and doesn’t require additional bait holders. Its composition often includes cheese, blood, and other secret ingredients known to attract catfish. The convenience of Punch Bait lies in its ease of use and the ability to stay on the hook in fast-moving waters. Its potency in attracting catfish, especially in crowded or heavily fished waters, has made it a favorite among serious catfish anglers.

#12 – Minnows

Price Range: $2-$5 per dozen

Availability: Live bait shops and fishing supply stores

Preferred Habitat: Versatile for various water types

Key Features: Mimics natural prey, lively movement attracts attention

Live minnows are a dynamic bait choice, appealing to catfish through both scent and movement. They are particularly effective in clear water conditions where sight feeding is prevalent. Minnows can be rigged in various ways to keep them alive and moving, making them irresistible to predatory catfish. Their natural presence in most catfish habitats ensures their effectiveness as a bait choice.

#11 – Blood Baits

Price Range: $8-$15 per packet

Availability: Bait shops, outdoor stores, and some online platforms

Preferred Habitat: Rivers and lakes with strong currents

Key Features: Rich in scent, specifically targets catfish’s keen sense of smell

Blood Baits are specifically formulated to target catfish’s keen sense of smell. Made from coagulated blood and other ingredients, they release a scent trail that catfish find irresistible. These baits are particularly effective in murky waters or during night fishing sessions. Anglers value blood baits for their ability to attract catfish from great distances.

#10 – Cheese Dip Bait

Price Range: $6-$12 per jar

Availability: Specialized bait shops and online retailers

Preferred Habitat: Still or slow-moving waters

Key Features: Potent scent, sticky texture

Cheese dip bait stands out for its strong, pungent aroma, capable of attracting catfish even in murky waters. This bait is often used with a dip worm or sponge hook to ensure it stays in place, slowly releasing its scent to lure catfish. Its effectiveness in various water conditions makes cheese dip bait a favorite among catfish anglers seeking a reliable attractant.

#9 – Mussels

Price Range: $3-$5 per pound

Availability: Can be collected in many freshwater environments

Preferred Habitat: Bottoms of lakes and rivers

Key Features: Natural food source with strong scent

Freshwater mussels, either collected directly from their habitat or purchased, are an excellent bait for bottom-feeding catfish. Their natural presence in many catfish habitats makes them an instinctive choice for catfish, drawn by the familiar scent and texture of the mussels.

#8 – Cut Bream

Price Range: Free to catch, subject to local regulations

Availability: Must be caught from local waters

Preferred Habitat: Similar to Bluegill, effective in freshwater environments

Key Features: Cut pieces emit a strong scent

Cut Bream, like Bluegill, are effective when used as bait for larger catfish species. The key to their effectiveness lies in the scent released by the cut flesh, which can attract catfish from afar. As with any use of game fish as bait, anglers should ensure compliance with local fishing regulations.

#7 – Dough Bait

Price Range: $4-$10 per tub

Availability: Bait shops and sporting goods stores

Preferred Habitat: Still waters, like ponds and slow-moving rivers

Key Features: Customizable scent and flavor

Dough bait, whether homemade or commercially produced, offers a versatile option for catfish anglers. Its pliable texture allows for easy hook application, and various scents and flavors can be added to target specific catfish species. Anglers prize dough bait for its ability to stay on the hook in still waters, where its scent can slowly disperse to attract catfish.

#6 – Hot Dogs

Price Range: $2-$5 per pack

Availability: Any grocery store

Preferred Habitat: Urban fishing spots and stocked ponds

Key Features: Unconventional, but surprisingly effective

Hot dogs are an unconventional bait that has gained popularity for their unexpected effectiveness, particularly with channel catfish. Anglers often soak them in flavors like garlic or Kool-Aid to increase their appeal. This budget-friendly option is especially useful for casual fishing trips and can be particularly effective in waters frequented by families and less-experienced anglers.

#5 – Bluegill

Price Range: Free to catch, subject to local regulations

Availability: Must be caught from local waters

Preferred Habitat: Freshwater, especially in ponds and lakes

Key Features: Live bait that attracts large catfish

Using Bluegill as bait, particularly for flathead catfish, taps into the natural food chain, offering a realistic and highly enticing option. However, anglers must be mindful of local regulations regarding the use of game fish as bait. When legal, live Bluegill can be incredibly effective, especially when their movement and distress signals mimic those of a catfish’s natural prey.

#4 – Crawfish

Price Range: $4-$6 per pound live

Availability: Bait shops and directly from freshwater sources

Preferred Habitat: Streams, rivers, and ponds

Key Features: Natural prey for catfish, mimics their diet

Crawfish are a natural food source for catfish, making them an excellent bait choice. Whether alive or dead, their scent and movement on the bottom of a waterbody can prove irresistible to catfish. Anglers often use crawfish in areas with dense cover, such as submerged logs or rock piles, where catfish hunt for their crustacean prey.

#3 – Chicken Liver

Price Range: $2-$4 per container

Availability: Easily sourced from grocery stores

Preferred Habitat: Effective in rivers and lakes

Key Features: Strong scent, rich blood content

Chicken liver’s potent smell and blood content make it an exceptional bait for channel catfish. While its soft texture can pose a challenge in keeping it secured on the hook, savvy anglers use methods like mesh bags or special rigs to ensure it stays put. Chicken liver works well in both moving and still waters, attracting catfish with its unmistakable aroma.

#2 – Gizzard Shad

Price Range: $1-$2 per fish when bought, often free when caught

Availability: Common in waters inhabited by catfish

Preferred Habitat: Lakes and rivers

Key Features: Oily flesh creates a potent scent trail

Gizzard Shad, particularly when used as cut bait, are highly sought after for their effectiveness in attracting large catfish. Their oily flesh releases a strong scent that can draw catfish from a distance. Freshness is key, so anglers often catch their own shad for use as bait. This bait is especially popular in trophy catfish waters, where its potent aroma can entice the biggest and most elusive catfish.

#1 – Nightcrawlers

Price Range: $3-$5 per dozen

Availability: Widely available at bait shops and outdoor stores

Preferred Habitat: Universal appeal in freshwater environments

Key Features: High natural scent, wriggling motion

Nightcrawlers, or earthworms, are a staple in the catfish bait arsenal. Their natural movement and scent make them irresistible to catfish. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned anglers, nightcrawlers can be used in virtually any body of water, offering a versatile and effective baiting option. Their widespread availability and affordability further cement their position as a top choice for catfishing.

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Did we overlook a favorite catfish bait of yours? Is there a pricing detail that needs correction? Perhaps you’ve had a memorable experience with one of the mentioned baits? Share your stories and insights with us. It’s important to remember that, just like the diverse ecosystems catfish thrive in, baits of all types and costs have their place in the angling world. Every angler’s input helps enrich our collective knowledge and appreciation for the art of catfishing.

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